Toledo Receives Commitment from 3-Star WR Jalen Martin

By: Zach Harig (@ToledoZach on Twitter)

2016 RECRUITING CLASS HEATING UP FOR THE TOLEDO ROCKETS

After an already monumental start to the 2016 recruiting class for Matt Campbell and the Toledo Rockets, they continue to make noise on the recruiting trail. On Wednesday, the Rockets received a verbal commitment from three-star wide receiver, Jalen Martin, of Harper Woods, Michigan. For the past two years, Martin has been a major target for the Rockets as they continue to mold their program, "Toledo has been heavily recruiting me for two years," Martin stated. 

"Toledo feels like home," Martin stated following his commitment to the Rockets, "It's a great fit for me and I've built an incredible relationship with the coaching staff there."

Jalen Martin is arguably the biggest
commit for Toledo in the 2016 class.

The 6'3", 200-pound wide out had offers from Akron, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Miami (OH), and Western Michigan. Despite the impressive offers, the more impressive aspect to Martin is the interest he is attracting due to his performance at national camps.

"I've had interest from all Big Ten schools and I've taken unofficial visits to Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern, and Ohio State this past summer," Martin added on his interest.

With that interest, there will always be questions about recruits decommitting and leaving for a bigger program once they come calling. For Martin, he's using tunnel vision after his commitment to play in the Glass City, "At this point, my focus right now is Toledo and I'm a Toledo Rocket. My full attention is on Toledo and I'm not even thinking about another school calling me, I'm focused," Martin continued.

Not only is Martin attracting major 'Power Five' conference attention, but scouts have begun to notice the abilities of the future Rocket as well, "Toledo landed a Big Ten caliber wide receiver," stated Eric Rutter, 'Today's U' college football recruiting analyst, "I've seen him around ten to twelve times in person, he's a tremendous athlete. He's a strong kid with good hands and has long striding speed. Finds separation at top of routes and is a big target. He also played tight end this year and can block, he'll be a good one."

The three-star Martin could be upgraded to a four-star before it's all said and done, especially after his performance at several summer camps. Allen Trieu of Scout.com listed Martin as one of the top performers at the 'Sound Mind Sound Body' camp in June, which took place in front of several Mid-American Conference coaches, including Toledo's Matt Campbell. A month later, in July, Michigan Preps also listed Martin as the second best uncommitted player in the state of Michigan.

"Martin is extremely underrated," Rutter stated following his commitment, "He's a high three-star but could be a low four-star in my estimation."

If Martin were to gain that fourth star, he would become the first four-star Toledo commit since defensive end Andre Sturdivant signed with the Rockets in the 2011 recruiting class, according to Rivals.

Martin, a three sport athlete in track and basketball, was also receiving major interest for his basketball talents. After averaging 25 points and 12 rebounds as a junior, it's easy to see why several top programs were after Martin. However, he says his focus is on football, "I don't plan on doing both sports in college, I'm only focused on football."

Jalen's father, Gregory, has been working with him ever since he was five years old as both a father, and a coach, "Jalen is the hardest working kid on the floor (and field), he plays with a passion for the game," his father stated. "Jalen is a three sport all-state honors athlete in football, basketball, and track along with a 3.5 GPA."

"Jalen is a workaholic," his father added, "He wants to do something every day seven days a week. From lifting, to conditioning, running routes, or getting shots up in the gym, he does something every day to get better."

Harper Woods, Mich. wide out, Jalen Martin
Photo Courtesy: The D Zone

As Jeff Corrion, the founder of The D Zone (Michigan's main source for recruiting), states, Martin remains underrated, "He's a big, strong, and athletic wide receiver who has high ceiling and high potential. He's a multi-sport athlete who was one of the first 2016 players offered in Michigan, but for some reason has remained underrated."

The future is extremely bright, both on-and-off of the football field for Jalen Martin. With a 6'3", 200-plus pound frame, the Rockets have an established deep threat to target when senior wide out, Alonzo Russell graduates in the spring. Martin will see immediate minutes for the Rockets, who like to use several substitutions at wide out in offensive coordinator Jason Candle's offense.